Faced with the possible return of the V10, Zak Brown fears the short-term consequences

When it comes to V10 engines, everyone has an opinion. And so does Zak Brown. Like many other players in the sport, the CEO of Mclaren racing spoke about the potential return of V10 engines by 2028, a project that the FIA ​​is currently working on. While many are enthusiastic about this idea, like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, others have many fears regarding this current reflection.

Indeed, if the return of the V10 is confirmed in 2028, then it could be at the expense of the 2026 engines. These could simply be abandoned in favor of the current engines, which would see their lifespan extended by two additional years to ensure the transition. This would mean, in turn, that several teams would find themselves without an engine, like Audi and Red Bull who must design their own power unit from 2026 precisely. Of course, nothing has been made official yet, but many voices have already been raised against the idea of ​​abandoning the new V6 turbo hybrids planned for 2026. Zak Brown, for his part, is half-hearted: while he is not against the return of V10s in the coming years, he warns against the possible consequences of such a turnaround.

" The Formula 1 has always been a very technical challenge when you have new regulations, and 2026 is no exception. We are happy and ready to race whatever the rules, said the American leader on the sidelines of the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. I think a V10 would certainly be very good with sustainable fuels, but I don't really see how you can undo what's already in place, because of all the different engine manufacturer changes that are happening at the moment. Audi is coming, Alpine will use an engine at home Mercedes, and from a logistical point of view, I don't know how we can fit the genie into the bottle."

Brown not worried despite Mercedes threats

Above all, McLaren could pay the price for abandoning the 2026 engines: in fact, Toto Wolff has assured that Mercedes may not be able to supply engines to its customer teams – including McLaren – next year if the 2026 engines are to be abandoned, claiming that the tools used at Brixworth are no longer available. However, regardless of the outcome of these discussions, Zak Brown is not worried about the situation of his own team and the "threat" posed by Mercedes. "From our point of view, we are with [Mercedes] HPP and we are very happy. (…) It would not have an impact on us, assures the CEO of McLaren. But it's a bit of a puzzle how you would implement that if you wanted to make a change. (…) I remember the hybrids were introduced, there were concerns, and it went very well, so I'm sure the engineers will rise to the technical challenge and remain very enthusiastic."

ALSO READ > Symonds debunks 'wishful thinking' about a return to the V10 engine: 'It must not be a step backwards'